Devil of the Pines (American Horrors)

James wanted to do the Jersey Devil justice in writing a piece with heart and passion. He absolutely struck gold with this work of art. Not only do you get a true sense of the legend but a well versed story spanning decades. When the story starts you are taken back to 1735 where it all began. James takes it to the next level using the dialect for that time period. You move forward to early 2000s and present day 2025. The intertwining timelines gives you pieces of the puzzle flowing seamlessly back and forth. His descriptions throughout the book heightens your senses bringing this urban legend to life.

The time taken to develop each character's personality, how they would act/react, play their part from beginning to end was done thoughtfully with precision. The woven threads of each is just a piece to what makes this story beautifully done.

The information from research within the story was not just some hour he spent taking notes. Yes it helps he's lives in Jersey so he's heard the legend. As you will see at the end he goes through all of what he looked at/read to help build his version. I mean I learned the Jersey Devil had made an appearance in Trenton aka the birthplace of James Kaine 😉.

I loved this story. Simply put. I was on an emotional rollercoaster...again 🤨. Yes, I cried a couple of times. It's thought provoking. Trying to figure what one clue means and where it fits. It all comes together at the end. The choice in the bands 🤘 had my inner goth/emo/rocker chick head banging, screaming, and jumping. Also KERMIT 😍, right then I was like favorite book. I love Kermit, just a wee bit, got a small collection 😁. Patrick and Megan were easy to love and connect with. Just like The Dead Children's Playground, Devil of the Pines has made a mark. I'll be thinking about this book for a long time.

Thank you for allowing me to read an ARC. This is my honest review in return.

Summary:
Leeds Point, New Jersey in 1735., the woman gave birth to her 13th child. On the night baby was born, something horrific happens and no one lived to tell about it. In 2005. thirteen year old Patrick and his friend encouter a horrible creature, and with only Patrick remaining alive, residents of small town blame Patrick. Soon Patrick is driven away. In 2025. Patrick returns to Leeds Point. Soon, awful events happen, and residents again blame Patrick. To finish it, Patrick needs to confront his demons.

Review:
„Devil of the Pines“ is an awesome horror story with multiple timelines, but author handles it very well and story flows splendidly. At moments I felt like I was watching the movie. Easy to read, interesting characters and phenomenal atmosphere.
If you are in for a awesome atmospheric horror story, give „Devil of the Pines“ a chance.

Do you believe in curses?

"Devil of the Pines" is a captivating, intriguing and haunting. The author, Kaine, masterfully builds suspense and unease through a non-linear narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are richly developed and bring depth to the story, each contributing to the overall tension. The twist is striking and will leave you speechless, making this book an unforgettable experience. It's a beautifully grotesque tale that will resonate long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys suspenseful horror.

I knew I wanted to save this one for October. James Kaine is such a phenomenal writer... This is book 2 in the American Horror Series and he really hit it out of the park. The chilling tale of the Jersey Devil is admittedly one I have never heard of and so this was a great story for me with so much creativity. Perfect for the fall season if you read by that. I don't want to get into detail but seriously go read this one and all the way through, the authors notes and afterwork is such an awesome way to see how James came up with his story.

Creepy, twisty, and absolutely impossible to put down! Devil of the Pines blends eerie folklore, small-town secrets, and bone-chilling suspense into a dark, pulse-pounding thriller that’ll haunt you long after the last page. Patrick Shourds is a flawed but relatable lead, and the Pine Barrens setting drips with atmosphere and dread. James Kaine keeps the tension high, the twists razor-sharp, and the scares coming. If you love creepy legends and dark, twisty thrillers, this is an unforgettable must-read!